Peer-assisted shopping

ABSTRACT

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a method for peer-assisted shopping, the method includes initiating, on a first endpoint corresponding to a first user, a display of media content. The method also includes initiating, on the first endpoint, an interactive feature configured to allow the first user to interact with the first endpoint in response to the display of media content. The method further includes initiating, on the first endpoint, an option for the first user to invoke a communication request with at least a second user corresponding to at least a second endpoint. Moreover, the method includes, upon selection of the option, initiating a connection request with the at least a second endpoint.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) AND CLAIM OF PRIORITY

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 61/662,765, filed Jun. 21, 2012, entitled“PEER-ASSISTED SHOPPING.” The content of the above-identified patentdocuments is incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure is directed, in general, to software, and morespecifically, to peer-assisted shopping.

BACKGROUND

With the advent of shopping on the internet, shoppers have lost afundamental feature—instant feedback from a companion that is shoppingwith them.

SUMMARY

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, systems anddevices are disclosed for enabling peer-assisted shopping.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a method for peer-assistedshopping, the method includes initiating, on a first endpointcorresponding to a first user, a display of media content. The methodalso includes initiating, on the first endpoint, an interactive featureconfigured to allow the first user to interact with the first endpointin response to the display of media content. The method further includesinitiating, on the first endpoint, an option for the first user toinvoke a communication request with at least a second user correspondingto at least a second endpoint. Moreover, the method includes, uponselection of the option, initiating a connection request with the atleast a second endpoint.

Before undertaking the DETAILED DESCRIPTION below, it may beadvantageous to set forth definitions of certain words and phrases usedthroughout this patent document: the terms “include” and “comprise,” aswell as derivatives thereof, mean inclusion without limitation; the term“or,” is inclusive, meaning and/or; the phrases “associated with” and“associated therewith,” as well as derivatives thereof, may mean toinclude, be included within, interconnect with, contain, be containedwithin, connect to or with, couple to or with, be communicable with,cooperate with, interleave, juxtapose, be proximate to, be bound to orwith, have, have a property of, or the like.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure and itsadvantages, reference is now made to the following description taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like referencenumerals represent like parts:

FIG. 1 is a simplified block diagram illustrative of a communicationsystem that can be utilized to facilitate communication betweenendpoint(s) and endpoint(s) through a communication network, accordingto particular embodiments of the disclosure;

FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C reference how a content container is enhanced forpeer-assisted shopping, according to embodiments of the disclosure;

FIG. 3 shows an example interface 300 of initiating contact betweenendpoints in peer-assisted shopping, according to an embodiment of thedisclosure

FIGS. 4 and 5 show processes for establishing communication betweendifferent endpoints, according to embodiments of the disclosure;

FIGS. 6 and 7 shows non-limiting examples of peer-assisted shoppingcommunication interfaces, according to embodiments of the disclosure;and

FIG. 8 is an embodiment of a general purpose computer that may be usedin connection with other embodiments of the disclosure to carry out anyof the above-referenced functions and/or serve as a computing device forthe endpoint(s) of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The FIGURES, discussed below, and the various embodiments used todescribe the principles of the present disclosure in this patentdocument are by way of illustration only and should not be construed inany way to limit the scope of the disclosure. Those skilled in the artwill understand that the principles of the present disclosure may beimplemented in any suitably arranged system.

FIG. 1 is a simplified block diagram illustrative of a communicationsystem 100 that can be utilized to facilitate communication betweenendpoint(s) 110, endpoint(s) 120, and 130 through a communicationnetwork 140, according to particular embodiments of the disclosure. Asused herein, “endpoint” may generally refer to any object, device,software, or any combination of the preceding that is generally operableto communicate with another endpoint. The endpoint(s) may represent auser, which in turn may refer to a user profile representing a person.The user profile may comprise, for example, an address for the user, auser name, a passcode, other user information, or any combination of thepreceding. Additionally, the endpoint(s) may represent a device thatcomprises any hardware, software, firmware, or combination thereofoperable to communicate through the communication network 140.

Examples of an endpoint(s) include, but are not necessarily limited to,a computer or computers (including servers, applications servers,enterprise servers, desktop computers, laptops, netbooks, tabletcomputers (e.g., WAD), a switch, mobile phones (e.g., including IPHONEand ANDROID-based phones), networked glasses (e.g., GOOGLE GLASS)),networked televisions, networked disc players, components in acloud-computing network, or any other device or component of such devicesuitable for communicating information to and from the communicationnetwork 140. Endpoints may support Internet Protocol (IP) or othersuitable communication protocols. Endpoints may additionally include amedium access control (MAC) and a physical layer (PHY) interface thatconforms to IEEE 701.11. If the endpoint is a device, the device mayhave a device identifier such as the MAC address and may have a deviceprofile that describes the device.

The communication network 140 and links 115, 125, and 135 to thecommunication network 140 may include, but are not limited to, a publicor private data network; a telephony network, a local area network(LAN); a metropolitan area network (MAN); a wide area network (WAN); awireline or wireless network (GSM, CDMA, LTE, WIMAX, or the like); alocal, regional, or global communication network; portions of acloud-computing network; a communication bus for components in a system;an optical network; a satellite network; an enterprise intranet; othersuitable communication links; or any combination of the preceding. Inparticular embodiments, portions of the links 115, 125, 135 orcommunication network 140 may be on the Internet.

Although endpoint generally appears as being in a single location, theendpoint(s) may be geographically dispersed, for example, in cloudcomputing scenarios. As used in this document, “each” may refer to eachmember of a set or each member of a subset of a set.

When the endpoints(s) 110, 120, 130 communicate with one another, any ofa variety of security schemes may be utilized. As an example, inparticular embodiments, endpoint(s) 120 may represent a client andendpoint(s) 130 may represent a server in client-server architecture.The server and/or servers may host a website. And, the website may havea registration process whereby the user establishes a username andpassword to authenticate or log in to the website. The website mayadditionally utilize a web application for any particular application orfeature that may need to be served up to the website for use by theuser.

Additionally, in particular configurations, the communication betweenendpoints 110 and 120 may be facilitated through a communication paththrough endpoint 130.

Various embodiments described herein may avail benefits from and/orutilize Cinsay, Inc.'s (“Cinsay”) Smart Container™ Technology, which isbriefly described below and is also described in U.S. application Ser.No. 13/598,443 filed Aug. 29, 2012 and claiming priority to severalprovisional applications. Cinsay, the Applicant, provides an innovativenew method for merchants to reach their customers online. In thetraditional online sales model, merchants need to create search ordisplay ads which show up when online consumers visit search enginesites or various web properties. If the consumer sees an interesting adrelated to a product or service, they need to leave their currentactivity and visit some other web destination to discover moreinformation or make an online purchase. Consumers have specific onlinebehavior patterns. If they are actively shopping, then the traditionalmultistep model is workable. The traditional advertising sales modelrequires that the consumer stop what they are doing and visit some otheronline destination. However, if they are on a social site interactingwith friends, reading the news, playing games, or engaged in otheronline activities, then are much less likely to leave their currentactivity to visit some external internet destination.

The Cinsay Smart Container™ model brings the product information orstore to the consumer. Cinsay utilizes an innovative new SmartContainer™ code/technology that virally syndicates across the web, for,example using components described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 8 orusing other components. It is ideal for those types of destinations thatonline consumers tend to frequent such as social networks and blogs.Regardless, if the Smart Container™ code is located on a web page, ablog article, a social network page or wall, or a mobile device, theycan complete their transaction right there with no need to be divertedto some external destination.

Smart Container™ objects are intelligent internet objects that virallysyndicate and propagate across the web and other connected network andmobile devices. They can be configured in a variety of ways to addressthe entire value chain of online marketing and shopping. This includesimpressions, clicks, lead generation, and performing e-commercetransactions. A modern shopping experience works best when interactivemedia is used. One of the most appealing forms of media for sales andshopping is video. It allows a much more lifelike representation thantext or static pictures. It also creates a much richer product browsingor shopping experience.

Cinsay's Smart Container™ code is normally configured with a videoplayer window, a selection of products or services being offered, and avariety of related video clips. This collection of video clips allowsthe consumer to learn more about the products or services being offered.The consumer can select any of these offered items to get more details,all enclosed within the Smart Container™ technology.

These offered items (products or services) may be items being advertisedor sold. Depending on the type, the Smart Container™ code may allow theconsumer to request to be contacted, or even purchase the object, rightthere. The consumer need not leave their current activity or web page.The offered items could also include getting discounts or coupons. Theymay even be an opportunity to donate to a charity or political campaign.Of course, sometimes it does make sense to visit another internetdesignation, and if appropriate, the consumer can certainly be linkedthere as well.

Because the Smart Container™ code handles all the complexity, it canturn the simplest web site into an instant e-commerce store. Thisenables anyone to transact online without having to deal with thecomplexity of setting up an e-commerce site. For merchants with ane-commerce site, it readily enables a much richer shopping experience.For the creative hobbyist or local band, it lets them readily selldirectly to interested consumers. To support and promote them, Cinsayoffers supplemental items in their Smart Container™ code calledOn-Demand™ merchandise. Merchants can custom design a selection ofapparel with their art and graphics to be sold along with their owncreations. Cinsay's On-Demand™ fulfillment will dynamically produce &ship their custom apparel for them, eliminating the need to manageinventory, and provide their online customers with a richer line ofproducts. Of course because their instant e-commerce store is based onSmart Container™ objects, it can also propagate out onto all forms ofviral syndication methods as well.

The Cinsay Smart Container™ code is also auto customizing, according toparticular configurations. If the device is a traditional PC or laptop,it will render using the optimal technology, which for this purposewhich is usually flash. On mobile devices, such as IPhones, IPads, orAndroid phones, this means HTML5 or a native interactive app will likelyget used. The items in the Smart Container™ code also know about eachother, according to particular configurations. When a video is playing,the container can update the product and service objects being shownthat correspond with the particular sequence in a video segment. Itallows a mini QVC shopping channel to be created and syndicated acrossthe internet. Beyond device type, there are other dimensions ofcustomization. Smaller devices and some environments such as social siterestrict window sizes, so the Smart Container™ code adapts. In addition,it may be appropriate to provide different content based ongeo-location, so the Smart Container™ code can customize for these aswell.

Cinsay Smart Container™ code virally syndicate across the internetfollowing the more popular network paths. They can be hosted ontraditional web pages, blogs, contained in emails, operate on mobiledevices, or propagate social networks. Because the Smart Container™ codeis flexible, they can also be setup in the form factor of a display adunit and distributed via ad servers on display advertising networks.When the code exists on social networks like Facebook, they can ride thewave of user “likes.” For example, if a woman shopper likes some greatshoes shown in a Smart Container™ object interface, the Smart Container™object can propagate directly to their “wall.” Now all their friends seethe Cinsay smart object, and can view or transact right there on theirown wall. Of course, if any of their friends also “like” it, the CinsaySmart Container™ object propagates and rides the wave further out intothat branch of the social network yielding a potential exponentialgrowth factor. Maybe the container does not involve products like shoes,but instead supports a politician running for office. Their supportersmay be passionate about the message and “like” it, again making itavailable to their network Now, similarly minded political supporterscan view those messages too, and if so moved donate to the cause.

Another example is sports. In this case, a sports fan may wish to watchthat content on their HD large screen TV. More and more haveinterconnected devices such as a Roku device, and Cinsay SmartContainer™ code may be sent to such an IP TV box as well.

When merchants launch and syndicate their Smart Container™ objects ontothe internet, they what to know how their campaign is performing. CinsaySmart Container™ object reports back status on events and transactionsof interest such as impressions, video views, clicks, leads, and sales.All such events/transactions can be sent back as events occur, providingdetails on how they are doing. Because the containers are smart, theycan be instructed to change behavior, offer different clips, updateproducts, or to end when it is time to stop the marketing or salescampaign.

Another form of tracking relates to how the Cinsay Smart Container™ codeis propagated. A merchant may wish to use affiliates to help syndicatethem, and pay them a percentage based on the transactions resulting fromtheir work. Cinsay Smart Container™ objects can be tagged with affiliatetracking identifiers allowing status reports and transactions from thatcontainer instance or its descendants to be properly filtered. Anothertracking usage may be for a politician to assign affiliate codes totheir supporters and be able to measure whose efforts result in the mostnew supporters.

Cinsay Smart Container™ objects are designed to be highly scalableaccording to particular configurations. Rather than burden a singlewebsite with massive traffic which would result from a traditional modelof bringing all consumers to the store, Cinsay Smart Container™ codeoperates in a distributed manner. Cinsay Smart Container™ code executewhere they are, on blog, social network or mobile device. They fetchtheir instructions when started, and then gather their product items andvideo streams from a worldwide distributed content delivery network.This results in highly scalable architecture allowing millions ofconcurrent consumers.

By bringing the store to the customer, Cinsay Smart Container™ codeenables many new ways for merchants to connect with their consumerswithout disrupting the consumer's web activities. The end result is toconnect the consumer directly with the merchant eliminating themiddleman and promoting a much more natural shopping experience.

The functionality of the above description, once again, may avail fromany of the components described in FIGS. 1 and 8 or other suitablecomponents. The code, itself, may be written in any suitable format,including but not limited to Java, C++, C-sharp, HTML, HTML5, and thelike.

FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C reference how a content container is enhanced forpeer-assisted shopping, according to embodiments of the disclosure.According to certain embodiments of the disclosure, the concept ofshopping with friends or family is emulated. Specifically, the personwith whom you are shopping with need not be physically present. However,one is able to communicate and solicit feedback from such a person asthough they were shopping with them. As discussed below, a “peer” inparticular embodiments may be a friend or family member. In otherembodiments, a “peer” may be one who is not readily known to a person.

With reference to FIGS. 2A and 2B, a container 210 is shown. In thiscontainer 210, the viewable content is video (as indicated by the playbutton 220); however, in other configurations that will be describedbelow, the container 210 may include images, live-video feeds, and othertypes of content. In FIG. 2B, the video has been initiated and aselectively displayable product carousel 230 with a plurality ofproducts is shown. In particular configurations, these productscorrespond to the products or services being shown in the content withinthe underlying container (here, a video). Although shown on the topportion overlaying the video, the product carousel 230 may be on thesides or bottom of the container 210—overlaying the container 210 or notin other configurations. For example, the product carousel may expandfrom or be positioned outside of the container 210. Additionally,varying degrees of transparency may be used in the product carousel 230.Or, the product carousel 230 may not be transparent.

A user viewing the container 210 may interact with the displayableproduct carousel 214 and purchase items or transact without leaving thecontainer 210. For example, with reference to a container on a Facebook™wall of a friend, a user may purchase the product directly from thecontainer and the wall. In other configurations, a user may leave thecontainer 210 and be redirected to a website.

With reference to FIG. 2C, additional features of the container 210 areshown. For example, a selectively displayable toolbar 240 is shown atleast partially overlaying a bottom of the container 210. Although shownon the bottom portion overlaying the video, the toolbar 240 may be onthe sides or top of the container 210—overlaying the container 210 ornot in other configurations. For example, the toolbar 240 may expandfrom or be positioned outside of the container 210. Additionally,varying degrees of transparency may be used in the toolbar 240. Or, thetoolbar 240 may not be transparent.

A variety of typical options are provided in the toolbar, including playand audio options 241, share options 243, account login options 245,video quality options 247, and further information options 249. The playand audio options 241 will become apparent to one of ordinary skill inthe art upon reading this disclosure. Also shown is a play bar 242,which will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art.

Upon clicking on the share options 242, a variety of other options maybe provided. For example, a user may be given the opportunity to sharethe container via networks such as Facebook, Myspace, Twitter, Yahoo,LinkedIn, Google, or Wordpress. Furthermore, the user may be given theoption to copy embed codes, and share via email. Additionally, a usermay be able to propagate the container by clicking the “like” thumb or“+1”ing on Google Plus.

The account login options 245 may allow a user to sign-into a variety ofnetworks including, for example, Cinsay, Facebook, or Google. The videoquality options 247 allow modification of the video, and the furtherinformation options provides any of a variety of options one may one toprovide about the container.

A peer-assisted shopping option 250 is also provided to allowcommunication with one or more other endpoint. For example, inparticular embodiments, a user may be shopping at home on theircomputer, tablet, or television and upon seeing something they like,initiate a communication with a peer. Alternatively, in otherembodiments, a user may be shopping in a store and see a particular itemthey like and initiate communication with a peer using and share whatthey are viewing, for example, use camera capture features on theirmobile device (e.g., a phone, tablet, or Google Glass). Thiscommunication may be initiated by selecting the peer-assisted option250. In particular embodiments, this may involve selecting with a mousepointer, a finger, or a stylus. Alternatively, activations may occurwith certain movement detected by sensors in the device or voiceactivation.

Again, although the underlying content for the container will bedescribed as a video in particular configurations, the underlyingcontent may be other items including, but not limited to, just-takenpictures and real-time video fees.

The method and/or manner of communicating between endpoints is virtuallylimitless. Non-limiting examples of communication channels are providedabove with reference to FIG. 1. Any of these communications and othersmay be utilized for initiating communication between end users. Forexample, upon clicking on the peer-assisted shopping option 250 in FIG.2C, a list of contacts can be brought up. These contacts may be contactson a device associated with an endpoint, contacts within a network, orother people as will be described below. In particular embodiments, onlycontacts that are currently connected to a network that is common to thefirst user (e.g., Facebook, Google+, Cinsay, or others) may be shown asoptions. In other configurations, a general list of contacts will beshown.

The following are non-limiting examples of initiating the communicationbetween two end-users: short messaging service, online presence, ajoin-me link that displays in whatever interface they may currently beusing, an email, a blast of messages to a group, or messages to specificfriends. In particular embodiments, no account is needed; rather, thespecific linkage between two end-devices is established through theconnection parameters. As will be recognized by one of ordinary skill inthe art reviewing this application, in certain embodiments, thecommunication may be direct (peer-to-peer) while in others in mayindirect through servers which relay messages. In yet otherconfigurations, the communications may be a hybrid of the two.

The following are non-limiting examples of methods of which end-userscan communicate with one another: voice over IP (VOIP), video chat, textchatting, or phone call. Such communications are in addition to thecontent (e.g., digital content) that may be shared between the user. Inparticular embodiments, the manners of communication may be dependent onthe capability of the particular device.

FIG. 3 shows an example interface 300 of initiating contact betweenendpoints in peer-assisted shopping, according to an embodiment of thedisclosure. Upon clicking on the peer-assisted shopping option 250 inFIG. 2C, the interface 300 may be displayed. In particularconfigurations, the interface may be transparently displayed over acontainer.

In the interface 300, connection options 310 represent options forconnecting to someone who is currently connected a network such asCinsay, Facebook, or Video (e.g., Skype). If the user is not connectedto such a network, the option is not shown. In such a connection option,a message may be propagated through the appropriate network asking therecipient to join the requestor in peer-assisted shopping. Uponresponding “OK,” the receiving user may be taken to a containerinterface. Connection options 320 represent other manners of initiatingcontact with a person, for example, using short-messaging-service (SMS),or email. In these options, a link may be provided to the containerinterface.

When a container is invoked, the container determines the endpoint'senvironment and communication options. For example, the container maydetermine whether video chat is available, whether the bandwidth on thenetwork is appropriate for certain communication techniques, whetherVOIP chatting is an option, whether text chatting is an option, andwhether mobile phone access is available (e.g., using a carrier such asAT&T, Verizon, Sprint, or T-mobile).

In particular embodiments, a user may have multiple devices.Accordingly, a connection attempt can be sent in parallel to multipledifferent devices.

FIGS. 4 and 5 show processes 400, 500 for establishing communicationbetween different endpoints, according to embodiments of the disclosure.FIG. 4 shows a process 400 on a first requesting endpoint whereas FIG. 5shows a process 500 on a second receiving endpoint.

With reference to FIG. 4, the process 400 at the first endpoint beginsat step 410 with a peer connection option being initiated. As referencedabove, this may be a mouse click, a tap by a finger on a part of screen,or a stylus touching a screen. Additionally, it may be activated with aremote for a networked television, voice activation, or using a sensorsuch as proximity detector (e.g., a wave). Yet other activationtechniques will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the artafter review of the disclosure.

At step 420, communication parameters of the first endpoint aredetermined. According to particular configurations, this may includedetermining the methods of communication available on the first endpoint(e.g., determining whether voice, chat, video are available), the natureof such channels (e.g., bandwidth—connected via WIFI, 3G, 4G, etc).According to particular configurations, this may also include adetermination of which networks the first end point is currentlyconnected to (e.g., Cinsay, Facebook, Google). In particularconfigurations, a user of a device may configure method of communication(e.g., only video chat if connected via WI-FI or turn video chat off).

At step 430, available communication parameters of other potentialendpoints are determined. According to particular configurations, thismay include determining which networks peers are currently connected to(e.g., Cinsay, Facebook, Google). This may also include determining whatmethods of communication one has in communicating with an end user. Forexample, as reference above, a particular person may have multipledevices. And, it is not clear which device or device the person iscurrently using—if at all. Thus, when considering peers, multipledifferent devices for single person may be considered.

In particular configurations, a user may also be prompted to entercommunication parameters. For example, they may want to communicate witha friend and enter his or her telephone number for an SMS message.

At step 440, communications with at least a second endpoint is initiatedawaiting receipt of a response. In particular configurations, messagesmay be sent in parallel to a second user (e.g., in-application messagevia Facebook/Cinsay and text message). If the user is at his or herdesktop, they may prefer to communicate with a desktop computer asopposed to a mobile device.

At step 450, a determination is made as to whether other messages shouldgo out to other endpoints. This is because particular configurationsallow group settings where the peer-assisted shopping is amongst a groupof friends. If yes, the process repeats at step 440. If no, the process500 moves on.

At step 460, there is a negotiation process between the endpoints todetermine how communication will occur. In this negotiation, thecommunication capability of each respective endpoint is considered. Thenegotiation process may be partially carried out on each respectiveendpoint. Alternatively, a server operates as an intermediary anddeices. Or, one device may control the negotiation process communicationsetup.

Negotiation is used in particular embodiments because, for example, thesecond endpoint may only be able to communicate via messaging due a lackof a camera or a microphone. Accordingly, messaging may be determined asa suitable communication technique. In particular configurations, thenegotiation process of step 460 may take into consideration otherdevices that are also communicating as well as the particular contentfeed within the container. In particular configurations, the first endpoint can communicate with multiple endpoints using disparatetechnologies. For example, communication between a first and secondendpoint may be video chatting whereas communication between the firstand third endpoints and the second and third endpoints is text chatting.Accordingly, the negotiation process may determine how to efficienthandle such disparate technologies.

At step 470, the respective communication channels are established witheach of the respective endpoints using suitable connection parameters.

According to particular embodiments, the process 400 of FIG. 4 may takeonly a couple of seconds—depending on the computing power and networklatency. In certain configurations, the process 400 may take less than asecond. In other configurations, the process 400 may take more than acouple of seconds.

With reference to FIG. 5, the process 500 at a second endpoint begins atstep 510 with a peer connection request being received at a secondendpoint. As referenced above, in particular configurations, multipleparallel requests may be sent to a particular user who may have multipledevices. Several of these types of messages may be received on aparticular endpoint. For example, a text message may be received as wellas an in-app message (e.g., on Facebook or Cinsay). In particularconfigurations, the user upon seeing the message can choose to acceptthe invitation to connect. As a non-limiting examples, a user may clickon a link or hit a button that confirms acceptance.

At step 520, a container for the communication is initialized. Inparticular configurations, the container may have features thatcorrespond to a pre-installed application on a device. In otherconfigurations, the container may correspond to application featuresthat are propagated on the fly, for example, using embed codes.

At step 530, communication parameters of the second endpoint aredetermined. This may include initiating determination actions similar tothose described above with reference to step 420 of FIG. 4 except withreference to the second endpoint. At step 540, a response is sent to thefirst endpoint.

At step 550, there is a negotiation process between the endpoints todetermine how communication will occur. This is similar to the step 460in FIGURE except from the perspective of the second endpoint.

At step 560, communication channels are established, which is similar tostep 470 of FIG. 4.

In particular embodiments, a second endpoint that received a request andestablished a link with the first endpoint may, in turn, undergo theprocess 400 of FIG. 4 using an “add-a-friend” feature. In such anembodiment, approval may or may not be required by the first endpoint.In repeating the process 400, the negotiation between endpoints mayconsider the link that has already been established between the first orsecond endpoint.

FIGS. 6 and 7 shows non-limiting examples of peer-assisted shoppingcommunication interfaces 600 and 700, according to embodiments of thedisclosure. Interface 600 may exist on any suitable device whereasinterface 700 is shown as existing on a mobile device. In thisparticular embodiment, the underlying content is a video. Again, asreferenced above, in other configurations, the underling content may beother items such a real-time video feed. In such an alternativeconfiguration, a first device may capture video and send in real-time toa second device—either directly or through a server intermediary.

With reference to FIG. 6, a container 610 is generally shown which mayhave features similar to those described above with reference to FIGS.2A, 2B, and 2C.

A box 620 has been extended from one edge of the container 610 to showthat the user is communication with three different people. The box 620is shown partitioned into three portions 620A, 620B, and 620C—eachportion corresponding to a particular user. Although this particularinterface is shown, others may be utilized. For example, the box 620 mayshow up as an overlay over the content. Additionally, the interface maybe hidden upon command with, for example, only voice being propogated.Additionally, portions or all of the box 620 may take on a chat roominterface if messaging is utilized.

In particular configurations, a user may be allowed to interact with aportion of the box corresponding to a particular person. For example, auser may click on a portion 620A corresponding to a particular person todiscover what is in that person's shopping chart.

As referenced above, disparate technologies may be utilized in certainconfigurations. Accordingly, for example, portions 620A and 620C mayshow a video chat interface whereas portion 620B may be messagingchatting. In particular embodiments, conversions technologies may beused to convert text-to-voice or voice-to-text in order to accommodatefor scenarios requiring different communication techniques. Theconversion process may occur anywhere in the communication chain—ateither device or at a server.

A variety of tools 640 are also shown to facilitate the communicationbetween the end users. In particular configuration, the tools 640 mayreplace some of the tools 240 shown in FIG. 2C. Although shown in thelower portion of the container 610 in this configuration, this toolsetmay be take on almost any configuration and can be selectively shown(and hidden) in any of a variety of manners. As a non-limiting example,the tools 640 may be invoked by hovering over a lower portion of thecontainer or right clicking on the container.

A non-limiting example of tools include, a share shopping cart feature641, a share particular location in video feature 643, a share currentcontent feature 645, a sync feature 647 request to sync the playing ofvideo and corresponding start location at a particular location so thattwo people may view the same thing at the same time, a commenting ortagging feature 649. Other features, designated “x” and “y” mayadditionally be incorporated.

The share shopping cart feature 641 allows one user to allow the peersto view the items in the shopping cart 625. The shopping cart 625,itself, may contain reverse links back to the location where the itemwas added. For example, it may contain a respective location in a videowhere the product was viewed and added to the cart.

The share particular location in a video feature 643 may enable one userto direct another user to a particular location in a video. For example,one user may like a particular product (e.g., shoes) in a video andchoose to share that particular location with one of the peers.

The share current content feature 645 enables the sharing of the currentcontent one is viewing through the container. For example, if thecontent is a video, the video may be shared. If content is real-timeview of something, the real-time view may be recorded with both a cameraand either pictures or video may be sent to the second user.

The sync feature 647 may allow a sync of views by different devices. Forexample, a first user may wish that a second user view the same thingthey are viewing. Accordingly, initiating this feature allows the viewsto sync. In initiating this feature, a user may choose a start positionof a particular video. The devices can communicate as necessary so thatplayback is in sync.

The comment or tagging feature 649 allows a user to comment on atime-based and/or coordinate-based portion of the content. For example,a first user may want to circle certain shoes at a certain time in thevideo and share with their peers. Any suitable annotation features maybe utilized. The annotations may store the time and coordinates.

Also shown is a shopping cart 625, which a user may use to place items.The shopping cart 625 may be shared with the peers—allowing eachrespective peer to provide feedback.

With reference to FIG. 7, a container 710 on a mobile device 790 isgenerally shown. This container 710 may contain features similar tothose described above with reference to FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C. Inparticular embodiments, the container 710 may cover the entire screenwith other interfaces selectively provided to cover a portion of theinterface. For example, as shown, a box 720 containing communicationfeatures (e.g., video or text chat) may overlay a portion of thecontainer.

With reference to various FIGURES herein, a concept of a shared shoppingcart may additionally be utilized. The shared shopping cart providesaccess to a common shopping cart to a group of people. According tocertain embodiments, the contents of the shared shopping cart maycontain an identifier of who added the item along with a link-back tothe location from where it came, which may be a video.

Shared shopping carts may be used in a variety of settings. For example,a shared shopping cart may be utilized for a group planning for a partywith each added item showing the others in the group what they intend onbuying. Additionally, for high school girls attending a prom, a sharedshopping chart may be utilized so that each may see what the otherintends on wearing to the prom. For items in the shared shopping cart,individuals may be able to comment on the items. Additionally, where aparticular shared item has been annotated, the shared shopping cart mayindicate that the item has a comment in the linked back object, whichmay be a video.

Despite the shopping carts being shared, in particular embodiments,individual checkouts may occur. When such a checkout has occurred, anotification in the shopping cart may be placed indicting that aparticular item has been purchased. Alternatively, if all the items inthe cart are shared purchase-wise, each person may have an individualcheck-out for their portion of the overall amount.

In particular embodiments, whether or not something is a shared in acart can be define by permissions. For example, an individual cart maybegin as an individual cart and quickly be turned into a shared shoppingcart by changing permission.

With reference to various FIGURES herein, solicitation of feedback maybe product or service specific and seek general feedback fromnon-friends and non-family members. For examples, embodiment may allow auser to solicit feedback on products or services from other individualswho had purchased or reviewed product or service in the past or opted infor peer-assisted shopping participation and active solicitation. In yetother configurations, users may solicit information from non-connectedusers from other networks that the particular user may utilize. In suchconfigurations, the solicitation of information may also encourage thesolicited individual to become a user of Cinsay's network. As anon-limiting example, one could have a Facebook or Google+ post that isautomatically posted by Cinsay's technology, asking friends, groups,circles, or the general for input on a particular product. In particularconfigurations, an individual may simply engage in a response. In otherconfigurations, an individual may be prompted to become a Cinsay networkparticipant user or to simply associate their current network (e.g.,Facebook or Google+) with a Cinsay account. In either configuration, theuser may be given a variety of control configurations as to who issolicited. As non-limiting examples, the user may have the option tosolicit by friends, groups or circles in Facebook or Google+ accounts,to solicit by geographic region (e.g., city, metropolitan area, region,or state), to solicit by those having certain technological capability(e.g., those that can video chat), to solicit those who purchased with acertain time frame (e.g., when such purchase statistics are available),to solicit those who purchased from the same company in which a purchaseis contemplated, to solicit every known purchaser of the product, or anyother criteria or combinations of the proceeding.

Active solicitation may take form of video conversation, chat, shortmessaging service (sms), email or any other form of electroniccommunication facilitated by the technology. In particularconfigurations, the receipt of such solicited message may be an opt-inor opt-out scenario. Similar configurations—similar to those providedabove—may also be placed on the receipt of messages. For example,receive solicitations from friends, groups or circles in Facebook orGoogle+ accounts, receive solicitations by geographic region (e.g.,city, metropolitan area, region, or state), receive solicitations bythose having certain technological capability (e.g., only those that canvideo chat), receive solicitations by those who have are contemplatingpurchased from the same company the user purchased, any other criteriaor combinations of the proceeding.

Upon product or service selection, a user may additionally be presentedwith a product or service reviews, ratings or feedback from otherproduct or service users. Current users may choose to solicit additionalfeedback on a product or service of interest from other users in theirnetwork or peer-assisted shopping participants who have opted in foractive solicitation and peer-assisted shopping process. Activesolicitation is facilitated by the technology and may occursynchronously or asynchronously in real-time or delayed fashion.

Peer-assisted shopping or active solicitation participants may or maynot receive compensation for the rendered assisted services. In caseswhere service compensation in rendered it may include such form ofpayments as credits, discounts, virtual currency and legal tender.

Unlike general comments on products, certain embodiments provide anactual real-time question/answer session about the product or service.

FIG. 8 is an embodiment of a general purpose computer 810 that may beused in connection with other embodiments of the disclosure to carry outany of the above-referenced functions and/or serve as a computing devicefor endpoint(s) 110 and endpoint(s) 120 of FIG. 1. General purposecomputer 810 may generally be adapted to execute any of the known OS2,UNIX, Mac-OS, Linux, Android and/or Windows Operating Systems or otheroperating systems. The general purpose computer 810 in this embodimentincludes a processor 812, a random access memory (RAM) 814, a read onlymemory (ROM) 816, a mouse 818, a keyboard 820 and input/output devicessuch as a printer 824, disk drives 822, a display 826 and acommunications link 828. In other embodiments, the general purposecomputer 810 may include more, less, or other component parts.Embodiments of the present disclosure may include programs that may bestored in the RAM 814, the ROM 816 or the disk drives 822 and may beexecuted by the processor 812 in order to carry out functions describedherein. The communications link 828 may be connected to a computernetwork or a variety of other communicative platforms including, but notlimited to, a public or private data network; a local area network(LAN); a metropolitan area network (MAN); a wide area network (WAN); awireline or wireless network; a local, regional, or global communicationnetwork; an optical network; a satellite network; an enterpriseintranet; other suitable communication links; or any combination of thepreceding. Disk drives 822 may include a variety of types of storagemedia such as, for example, floppy disk drives, hard disk drives, CD ROMdrives, DVD ROM drives, magnetic tape drives or other suitable storagemedia. Although this embodiment employs a plurality of disk drives 822,a single disk drive 822 may be used without departing from the scope ofthe disclosure.

Although FIG. 8 provides one embodiment of a computer that may beutilized with other embodiments of the disclosure, such otherembodiments may additionally utilize computers other than generalpurpose computers as well as general purpose computers withoutconventional operating systems. Additionally, embodiments of thedisclosure may also employ multiple general purpose computers 810 orother computers networked together in a computer network. Most commonly,multiple general purpose computers 810 or other computers may benetworked through the Internet and/or in a client server network.Embodiments of the disclosure may also be used with a combination ofseparate computer networks each linked together by a private or a publicnetwork.

Additionally, in particular embodiments, the general purpose computers810 computers may be mobile devices that include features such ascameras, camcorders, GPS features, and antennas for wirelesscommunications. Mobile devices such as these include those marketed asiPhone and Android phones.

Several embodiments of the disclosure may include logic contained withina medium. In the embodiment of FIG. 8, the logic includes computersoftware executable on the general purpose computer 810. The medium mayinclude the RAM 814, the ROM 816, the disk drives 822, or other mediums.In other embodiments, the logic may be contained within hardwareconfiguration or a combination of software and hardware configurations.

The logic may also be embedded within any other suitable medium withoutdeparting from the scope of the disclosure.

It will be understood that well known processes have not been describedin detail and have been omitted for brevity. Although specific steps,structures and materials may have been described, the present disclosuremay not be limited to these specifics, and others may be substituted asit is well understood by those skilled in the art, and various steps maynot necessarily be performed in the sequences shown.

While this disclosure has described certain embodiments and generallyassociated methods, alterations and permutations of these embodimentsand methods will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly,the above description of example embodiments does not define orconstrain this disclosure. Other changes, substitutions, and alterationsare also possible without departing from the spirit and scope of thisdisclosure, as defined by the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A processor-implemented method for peer-assistedshopping, the method comprising: executing a media container including amedia player at a first endpoint compute device associated with a firstuser, the first endpoint compute device comprising one or moreprocessors configured to execute the media player, the media playerincluding an interface configured to display digital content includingmedia content; and using the media player to: initiate, at the firstendpoint compute device, a display of media content in the interface,the media content being associated with one or more products orservices; initiate, at the first endpoint compute device and inassociation with the media content, a display of one or more interactivefeatures in the interface, at least one of the one or more interactivefeatures configured to allow a transaction involving the one or moreproducts or services without leaving the media container; in response toreceiving a selection of at least one of the one or more interactivefeatures in the interface, initiate, at the first endpoint computedevice, a display of one or more options in the interface to invoke adata connection request; and in response to receiving a selection of atleast one of the one or more options in the interface, initiate the dataconnection request to at least one second endpoint compute deviceassociated with at least one second user, the data connection requestconfigured to, upon confirmation of acceptance by the at least onesecond endpoint compute device, execute a media container on the secondcompute device, the media container executed on the second computedevice including a media player and an interface configured to displaydigital content including media content and one or more interactivefeatures.
 2. The processor-implemented method of claim 1, wherein theone or more interactive features include a product carousel configuredto display graphics or text corresponding to the one or more products orservices in the interface.
 3. The processor-implemented method of claim1, wherein the media content comprises real-time content captured by thefirst endpoint compute device.
 4. The processor-implemented method ofclaim 3, further comprising: transmitting at least some of the real-timecontent captured by the first endpoint compute device to the at leastone second endpoint compute device.
 5. The processor-implemented methodof claim 1, further comprising: determining whether compute devicesassociated with users in a list are connected to each of multiplecommunication networks, the communication networks comprising at leasttwo different networks through which the first endpoint compute deviceis able to initiate the connection request; and displaying to the firstuser, in the interface and based on the determination, whichcommunication network or networks each respective compute device of thecompute devices associated with the users in the list is currentlyconnected to.
 6. The processor-implemented method of claim 1, furthercomprising: determining one or more parameters of the first endpointcompute device; receiving one or more parameters corresponding to the atleast one second endpoint compute device; and negotiating, based on theparameters of the first endpoint compute device and the at least onesecond endpoint compute device, a channel of communication amongmultiple possible channels of communication between the first endpointcompute device and each of the at least one second endpoint computedevice.
 7. The processor-implemented method of claim 1, wherein: the atleast one second endpoint compute device includes multiple secondendpoint compute devices; and the processor-implemented method furthercomprises establishing at least two disparate types of communicationchannels between the first endpoint compute device and the multiplesecond endpoint compute devices.
 8. The processor-implemented method ofclaim 1, wherein the connection request includes at least two messagestransmitted from the first endpoint compute device to at least twodifferent second endpoint compute devices associated with a singlesecond user, the at least two messages allowing the single second userto respond with any of the at least two different second endpointcompute devices.
 9. An apparatus comprising a first endpoint computedevice, the first endpoint compute device comprising: at least onememory configured to store instructions implementing a media containerincluding a media player; and at least one processor configured toexecute the instructions implementing the media container including themedia player, the media player configured to, when implemented, providedan interface configured to display digital content including mediacontent; the instructions implementing the media container including themedia player including instructions configured to cause the at least oneprocessor to: initiate, at the first endpoint compute device, a displayof media content in the interface to a first user associated with thefirst endpoint compute device, the media content associated with one ormore products or services; initiate, at the first endpoint computedevice and in association with the media content, a display of one ormore interactive features in the interface, at least one of the one ormore interactive features configured to facilitate a transaction for atleast one of the one or more products or services within the mediacontainer; in response to receipt of a selection of at least one of theone or more interactive features in the interface, initiate, at thefirst endpoint compute device, a display of one or more options in theinterface to invoke a data connection request; and in response toreceipt of a selection of at least one of the one or more options in theinterface, initiate the data connection request to at least one secondendpoint compute device associated with at least one second user. 10.The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the one or more interactive featuresinclude a product carousel configured to display graphics or textcorresponding to the one or more products or services in the interface.11. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the media content includesreal-time content captured by the first endpoint compute device.
 12. Theapparatus of claim 11, wherein the instructions implementing the mediacontainer including the media player further include instructionsconfigured to cause the at least one processor to initiate transmissionof at least some of the real-time content captured by the first endpointcompute device to the at least one second endpoint compute device. 13.The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the instructions implementing themedia container including the media player further include instructionsconfigured to cause the at least one processor to: determine whethercompute devices associated with users in a list are connected to each ofmultiple communication networks, the communication networks comprisingat least two different networks through which the first endpoint is ableto initiate the connection request; and display to the first user, inthe interface and based on the determination, which communicationnetwork or networks each respective compute device of the computedevices associated with the users in the list is currently connected to.14. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the instructions implementing themedia container including the media player further include instructionsconfigured to cause the at least one processor to: determine one or moreparameters of the first endpoint compute device; receive one or moreparameters corresponding to the at least one second endpoint computedevice; and negotiate, based on the parameters of the first endpointcompute device and the at least one second endpoint compute device, achannel of communication among multiple possible channels ofcommunication between the first endpoint compute device and each of theat least one second endpoint compute device.
 15. The apparatus of claim9, wherein the instructions implementing the media container includingthe media player further include instructions configured to cause the atleast one processor to establish at least two disparate types ofcommunication channels between the first endpoint compute device anddifferent ones of multiple second endpoint compute devices.
 16. Theapparatus of claim 9, wherein: the connection request includes at leasttwo messages; and the instructions implementing the media containerincluding the media player further include instructions configured tocause the at least one processor to initiate transmission of the atleast two messages to at least two different second endpoint computedevices associated with a single second user so that the single seconduser is able to respond with any of the at least two different secondendpoint compute devices.
 17. The processor-implemented method of claim1, wherein the one or more interactive features include a tool in theinterface configured to allow the media content to be shared with otherusers.
 18. The processor-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the oneor more interactive features include a tool in the interface configuredto allow content at a particular location within the media content to beshared with other users.
 19. The processor-implemented method of claim1, wherein the one or more interactive features include a tool in theinterface configured to allow a comment, tag, or annotation associatedwith at least one of the one or more products or services to be sharedwith other users.
 20. The processor-implemented method of claim 1,wherein the one or more interactive features include a tool in theinterface configured to allow the media content to be shared with otherusers and to substantially synchronize playback of the media content forthe first user and the other users.
 21. The processor-implemented methodof claim 1, wherein the one or more interactive features include a toolin the interface configured to share an electronic shopping cartassociated with the first user with other users.
 22. The apparatus ofclaim 9, wherein the one or more interactive features include a tool inthe interface configured to allow the media content to be shared withother users.
 23. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the one or moreinteractive features include a tool in the interface, the toolconfigured to allow a particular location within the media content to beshared with other users.
 24. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the oneor more interactive features include a tool in the interface, the toolconfigured to allow a comment, tag, or annotation associated with atleast one of the one or more products or services to be shared withother users.
 25. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the one or moreinteractive features include a tool in the interface, the toolconfigured to allow the media content to be shared with other users andto substantially synchronize playback of the media content for the firstuser and the other users.
 26. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the oneor more interactive features include a tool in the interface, the toolconfigured to allow a shopping cart associated with the first user to beshared with other users.
 27. A non-transitory computer readable mediumembodying a computer program, the computer program comprising: computerreadable program code defining a media container including a mediaplayer having an interface configured to display digital contentincluding media content, the code defining the media container, whenexecuted by at least one processor, causes the at least one processorto: initiate, at a first endpoint compute device associated with a firstuser, a display of media content in the interface, the media contentassociated with one or more products or services; initiate, at the firstendpoint compute device and in association with the media content, adisplay of one or more interactive features in the interface, at leastone of the one or more interactive features configured to allow atransaction involving at least one of the one or more products orservices in the media container; in response to detecting a selection ofat least one of the one or more interactive features in the interface,initiate, at the first endpoint compute device, a display of one or moreoptions in the interface for invoking a data connection request; and inresponse to detecting a selection of at least one of the one or moreoptions in the interface, initiate the data connection request to atleast one second endpoint compute device associated with at least onesecond user, the data connection request configured to initiate a mediacontainer on the second compute device.
 28. The non-transitory computerreadable medium of claim 27, wherein the one or more interactivefeatures include a product carousel configured to display graphics ortext corresponding to the one or more products or services in theinterface.
 29. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 27,wherein the media content includes real-time content captured by thefirst endpoint compute device.
 30. The non-transitory computer readablemedium of claim 29, wherein the computer readable program code definingthe media container including the media player, when executed by the atleast one processor, further causes the at least one processor to:initiate transmission of at least some of the real-time content capturedby the first endpoint compute device to the at least one second endpointcompute device.
 31. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim27, wherein the computer readable program code defining the mediacontainer including the media player, when executed by the at least oneprocessor, further causes the at least one processor to: determinewhether compute devices associated with users in a list are connected toeach of multiple communication networks, the communication networkscomprising at least two different networks through which the firstendpoint compute device is able to initiate the data connection request;and display to the first user, in the interface and based on thedetermination, which communication network or networks each respectivecompute device of the compute devices associated with the users in thelist is currently connected to.
 32. The non-transitory computer readablemedium of claim 27, wherein the computer readable program code definingthe media container including the media player, when executed by the atleast one processor, further causes the at least one processor to:determine one or more parameters of the first endpoint compute device;receive one or more parameters corresponding to the at least one secondendpoint compute device; and negotiate, based on the parameters of thefirst endpoint compute device and the at least one second endpointcompute device, a channel of communication among multiple possiblechannels of communication between the first endpoint compute device andeach of the at least one second endpoint compute device.
 33. Thenon-transitory computer readable medium of claim 27, wherein: the atleast one second endpoint compute device includes multiple secondendpoint compute devices; and the computer readable program codedefining the media container including the media player, when executedby the at least one processor, further causes the at least one processorto establish at least two disparate types of communication channelsbetween the first endpoint compute device and the multiple secondendpoint compute devices.
 34. The non-transitory computer readablemedium of claim 27, wherein: the data connection request includes atleast two messages; and the computer readable program code defining themedia container including the media player, when executed by the atleast one processor, further causes the at least one processor toinitiate transmission of the at least two messages from the firstendpoint compute device to at least two different second endpointcompute devices associated with a single second user so that the singlesecond user is able to respond with any of the at least two differentsecond endpoint compute devices.
 35. The non-transitory computerreadable medium of claim 27, wherein the one or more interactivefeatures include an option to share with other users the media content.36. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 27, wherein theone or more interactive features include an option to share with otherusers a particular location within the media content.
 37. Thenon-transitory computer readable medium of claim 27, wherein the one ormore interactive features include an option to share with other users acomment, tag, or annotation associated with at least one of the one ormore products or services.
 38. The non-transitory computer readablemedium of claim 27, wherein the one or more interactive features includean option to share with other users the media content and tosubstantially synchronize playback of the media content for the firstuser and the other users.
 39. The non-transitory computer readablemedium of claim 27, wherein the one or more interactive features includean option to share with other users a shopping cart associated with thefirst user.
 40. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 27,wherein the media content includes at least one of: one or more images,video content, or a real-time video feed.